Upclose with Dalex Finance CEO, Kenneth Thompson

Under the leadership of Kenneth Kwamina Thompson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dalex Finance and Leasing Company Ltd, Dalex Finance has established itself as the premier non-bank finance institution in terms of profitability, reputation and assets under management.

Kenneth Thompson, CEO of Dalex

Mr Thompson brought to Dalex over seventeen years of experience in senior executive positions in finance and risk management, including past positions such as Head of Venture Funds Management at Fidelity Equity Fund I, and Principal Internal Audit Manager for Barclays Bank, UK.

He is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He is also a graduate of the University of Ghana Business School.

YEN.com.gh caught up with Mr Thompson to find out how he manages to steer affairs at one of Ghana’s biggest indigenous financial institutions, and still remain an adorable father and husband, among other things.

Tell us 5 things about yourself outside work life

I have two kids, a girl and a boy. My wife is an Electrical Engineer, and I love to read. I am also an ‘army’ golfer, and my sister is a Minister of State.

How did your background prepare you for your current position as CEO of Dalex Finance?

After the University, I joined a firm of Chartered Accountants in the City of London. The training was rigorous. I have benefitted immensely from the opportunity to work to exacting standards.

What are the challenges currently facing the Ghanaian Investment market?

Ghanaians have a poor savings habit. The pool of funds available for long-term investment is therefore low. There is a direct relationship between savings, investment and wealth creation.

As the fastest growing non-bank financial institution, what do you see as your most substantial accomplishment in the Ghanaian financial market?

Dalex likes to describe itself as a ‘fin tech’ company. We use technology to compete with competitors with greater resources. We have innovative products such as DalexSwift and DalexTurbo. These products are 100% driven by technology.

The product, which I am most proud of and defines what Dalex wants to be, is Dalex SWIFT. The minimum deposit is Ghc 1 and your phone number is your account number. Deposits can be made via a mobile wallet or bank account. We also offer the traditional loan products.

What makes Dalex Finance the best choice for potential investors?

I will say so with four points. We are a member of Ghana Club 100; we were adjudged Chartered Institute of Marketing – NBFI of the Year, 2014; we have an experienced Management Team and staff; and finally we have a diverse portfolio, so lower risk

How do you see Dalex Finance in 5 years, and how do you see yourself creating that change?

Dalex Finance will lead the market in the use of technology to deliver financial products and services. There will be no difference between the products and the technology.

What would be your advice to young investors who aspire to get involved in Ghana’s non-banking financial sector?

Firstly unless we secure the future of our young people, the future of Ghana will not be secure. A career in financial services like all careers require hard work and discipline. The harder you work, the luckier you will become.